As per latest customs data released, Japan flat steel exports which includes 7208 (HR coils /Plates), 7209 (CR coils), 7225 (Electrical sheets), 7210/7212(GP/GC) has exported at 2.13 MnT in Sep’17 compared to 2.22 MnT in Aug’17.Thus nation’s flat steel exports declined 4% on monthly basis in Sep’17.
However on yearly basis Japan flat steel exports reported a fall of 7.3% in Sep’17 against 2.30 MnT in Sep’16.
In the tenure of nine months (Jan-Sep) of 2017,Japan flat steel exports moved down by 9.3% to 19.19 MnT as compared to 21.18 MnT in similar time frame of previous year.
Construction activities taking place in the country and high demand from auto manufacturers has resulted in significant hike in steel prices in Japan. As per reports, it is the first time since 2013 that Japan’s steel market is pulled by stronger demand. Japanese steel makers have preferred offering in domestic market than offering in overseas owing to better realization.
Japan: Commodity Wise Flat Steel Exports in Sep’17
| Sub Commodity | Sep’17 | Aug’17 | M-o-M (%) | Sep’16 | Y-o-Y (%) |
| HRC/Plate | 1.17 | 1.28 | -8.5 | 1.25 | -6.4 |
| Electrical Steel | 0.47 | 0.48 | -2.08 | 0.55 | -14.5 |
| Galvanised Steel | 0.25 | 0.25 | 0 | 0.27 | -7.4 |
| CRC | 0.22 | 0.19 | 15.7 | 0.22 | 0 |
| Others | 0.01 | 0.01 | 0 | 0.01 | 0 |
| Grand Total | 2.13 | 2.21 | -4% | 2.3 | -7% |
China was the preferred destination for Japan flat steel exports-China was the preferred destination for Japan flat steel exports in Sep’17.Japan exported 0.37 MnT in Sep’17 which is 8% higher as compared to 0.34 MnT in Aug’17.Other major importers are Thailand at 0.32 MnT,followed by South Korea at 0.28 MnT and Vietnam at 0.20 MnT.
In the time span of Jan-Sep’17 China remained the major flat steel importer and has occupied the share of 16%. Other major flat steel importing countries from Japan include Thailand accounted for 16.10% of share,South Korea at 13.12% followed by Mexico at 7.25% and Vietnam at 7.55 % in Sep’17.
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